Posted by Robbie Koenig
All the post Wimbledon headlines were all about Roger Federer’s historic exploits. There is no question the man is a genius and deserves his rewards, but for me so much about the 2009 Wimbledon final was about Andy Roddick, The Player AND more importantly, the Person.
I, for one, was skeptical of Andy ever making another major final, but the effort he put in prior to the start of this season to get him self physically and mentally prepared says a lot about the guy. A Wimbledon final was just reward, and the quality of tennis he displayed in both the semifinals against Andy Murray and the final with Federer was world class and for me, deserving of a better result!
But for me his first answer to Sue Barker (on court interviewer) after he lost, was profound. When asked if tennis can be a cruel sport, Andy’s response was “No, I’m one of the lucky ones who has all you guys cheering for me…..” Instead of feeling sorry for himself and behaving like a broken man (which he had every right to, given what had unfolded in the match!!!), Andy chose to count his blessings at what was undoubtedly the toughest time perhaps in his career….. To have that attitude, that character, speaks volumes about Andy Roddick as a person, and for that I salute you A-Rod….
For anyone who has played sport at a high level, they will have a good idea of what Roddick felt like, but to have the humility to realize how fortunate you have been in your life/career/sport whatever, at such a raw moment, for me….that is CLASS! If you have class, you don’t need much of anything else in life. If you don’t have it, no matter what else you have, it doesn’t make much difference…..
Hope you all enjoyed The Championships as much as I did!!!
Robbie